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Hetman Mazepa’s Legendary Ukrainian Sabre Unveiled in the White Tower, London
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![Photo of Liubava Petriv]( "Photo of Liubava Petriv")
For the first time in history, a Ukrainian cultural artifact is featured in the Tower of London—one of the most renowned heritage sites in the world. The sabre of Hetman Ivan Mazepa, an iconic 17th-century Ukrainian leader, is now on public display in the White Tower as part of a special exhibition.
The exhibition, which runs from July 18 to August 3, 2025, marks a significant cultural milestone and comes at a time when Ukraine continues to defend both its sovereignty and its historical legacy.
British actor, writer, and long-time supporter of Ukraine Stephen Fry attended the opening ceremony, underscoring the significance of the occasion and the importance of international solidarity.
“For centuries, Russia has tried to tarnish Mazepa’s name,” read the organizers’ joint statement. “This exhibition restores his legacy as a national hero who stood for Ukraine’s freedom.”
The sabre gained renewed symbolism when Ukrainian boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk raised it in the ring after defeating Tyson Fury in 2024.
“Hetman Mazepa’s sabre gained symbolic meaning when world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk raised it over his head after defeating Tyson Fury in 2024,” said Nat Edwards, Director General of the Royal Armouries.
“It shows how historical objects can shape national identity and resilience. We’re honored to exhibit this relic alongside the Royal Armouries' 700-year-old collection, ahead of Usyk’s title defense on July 19.”
The sabre is part of the collection of the Chernihiv Regional History Museum, which was damaged during a Russian missile attack in 2022. Despite ongoing threats, museum staff have worked tirelessly to preserve and safeguard Ukraine’s cultural assets.
“This sabre is part of the legacy we’re protecting during the war,” said Maksym Blakytnyi, Director of the Chernihiv Museum. “Thanks to the support of our international partners, we’re not only preserving our heritage—we’re sharing it with the world.”
The sabre itself, a unique example of Ukrainian weaponry influenced by Eastern craftsmanship, represents a fusion of artistic traditions and military heritage from the late Cossack era.
The initiative is supported by a wide network of partners, including Ajax Systems, which ensured the secure transport and protection of the relic. Institutional support came from Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy, and the Chernihiv Regional State Administration.
Previously, Ukraine WOW unveiled a recreated Boryviter mosaic on Kyiv’s Maidan Nezalezhnosti—a tribute to cultural resilience. The original, created in 1967 by Ukrainian artist and dissident Alla Horska, was damaged during the 2022 siege of Mariupol.
